us to uk sizes shoes
Shopping for shoes from international stores online can be tricky. Although US and UK sizes look similar, they use completely different sizing rules.
Consequently, ordering your usual size without converting it often leads to ill-fitting shoes. In most cases, US shoes arrive one or two sizes larger than expected.
In this practical guide, you will learn exact us to uk sizes shoes conversions for women, men, and children. We also cover brand fit rules and simple foot measuring steps.
Quick US to UK Shoe Conversion Rules
Before looking at detailed charts, keep these essential rules in mind:
- Women’s Shoes: UK sizes are 2 sizes smaller than US sizes. For example, a US Women 8 is a UK 6.
- Men’s Shoes: UK sizes are 1 size smaller than US sizes. For instance, a US Men 10 is a UK 9.
- Kids’ Shoes: UK sizes are generally 0.5 size smaller than US sizes.
- Best Practice: Always check foot length in centimetres before placing an order.
Women’s US to UK Shoe Size Chart
Women’s sizing has the biggest difference between the two systems. Therefore, always subtract two numbers from your standard US size.
| US Women Size | UK Women Size | EU Size | Foot Length (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| US 5.0 | UK 3.0 | 36.0 | 22.0 cm |
| US 6.0 | UK 4.0 | 37.0 | 23.0 cm |
| US 7.0 | UK 5.0 | 38.0 | 23.8 cm |
| US 7.5 | UK 5.5 | 38.5 | 24.1 cm |
| US 8.0 | UK 6.0 | 39.0 | 24.6 cm |
| US 8.5 | UK 6.5 | 39.5 | 25.0 cm |
| US 9.0 | UK 7.0 | 40.0 | 25.4 cm |
| US 10.0 | UK 8.0 | 41.5 | 26.2 cm |
| US 11.0 | UK 9.0 | 43.0 | 27.1 cm |
Men’s US to UK Shoe Size Chart
Men’s conversions usually require subtracting one full size from the US label. However, some running brands use a half-size step instead.
| US Men Size | UK Men Size | EU Size | Foot Length (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| US 7.0 | UK 6.0 | 40.0 | 24.8 cm |
| US 8.0 | UK 7.0 | 41.0 | 25.4 cm |
| US 8.5 | UK 7.5 | 41.5 | 25.8 cm |
| US 9.0 | UK 8.0 | 42.5 | 26.2 cm |
| US 9.5 | UK 8.5 | 43.0 | 26.7 cm |
| US 10.0 | UK 9.0 | 44.0 | 27.1 cm |
| US 10.5 | UK 9.5 | 44.5 | 27.5 cm |
| US 11.0 | UK 10.0 | 45.0 | 27.9 cm |
| US 12.0 | UK 11.0 | 46.0 | 28.8 cm |
| US 13.0 | UK 12.0 | 47.5 | 29.7 cm |
Children’s US to UK Shoe Size Chart
Children’s footwear requires extra care because growing feet need extra toe room. Furthermore, both countries divide kids’ sizing into infant and junior categories.Planning your complete outfit and footwear pairings? Check our expert guide on how to style leopard print jeans with boots, trainers, and loafers.
| US Kids Size | UK Kids Size | Category | Foot Length (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| US 4.0 | UK 3.5 | Toddler / Infant | 11.5 cm |
| US 6.0 | UK 5.5 | Toddler / Infant | 13.0 cm |
| US 8.0 | UK 7.5 | Toddler / Infant | 14.5 cm |
| US 10.0 | UK 9.5 | Child | 16.0 cm |
| US 12.0 | UK 11.5 | Child | 17.5 cm |
| US 1.0 | UK 13.5 | Junior / Youth | 19.5 cm |
| US 2.0 | UK 1.0 | Junior / Youth | 20.5 cm |
| US 4.0 | UK 3.0 | Junior / Youth | 22.0 cm |
| US 6.0 | UK 5.0 | Junior / Youth | 24.0 cm |
Brand-Specific Sizing Differences
Different footwear brands use slightly different sizing moulds. As a result, fit can vary across manufacturers.
Nike and Jordan
Nike follows a standard 1-size drop for men (US 10 = UK 9). However, their women’s range drops by 2.5 sizes (US 8 = UK 5.5). In addition, Nike running models often fit slightly narrow.
Adidas
Adidas uses a half-size conversion for most models (US 9 Men = UK 8.5). If you are packing footwear for a trip, read our complete guide on EasyJet and Ryanair cabin bag rules to save luggage space.
Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens boots do not come in half sizes. Because their leather stretches over time, you should size down if you are between measurements.
Clarks
Clarks follows British heritage sizing with wide toe boxes. Therefore, you should order your exact converted size without adding extra room.
Shoe Width Codes: US vs UK
Shoe length is only half the equation. You must also check the width code to ensure a comfortable fit:
- Narrow Width: US uses AA or N, while the UK uses C or D.
- Standard Medium Width: US uses B (Women) or D (Men), while the UK uses E or F.
- Wide Fit: US uses D (Women) or EE (Men), while the UK uses G.
- Extra Wide Fit: US uses EE or 4E, while the UK uses H.
How to Measure Your Feet at Home
Measuring your foot in centimetres is the easiest way to avoid sizing mistakes. Follow these four quick steps:
- Place Paper Flat: Put an A4 sheet of paper on a hard floor against a flat wall.
- Stand on the Sheet: Place your foot firmly on the paper with your heel against the wall.
- Draw a Line: Mark the exact tip of your longest toe using a pencil.
- Measure the Length: Use a ruler to measure the distance in centimetres, then match it to the conversion tables above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is US shoe size bigger than UK?
Yes, US shoe sizes are numerically larger than UK sizes. A men’s US size is 1 size larger, and a women’s US size is 2 sizes larger than the UK equivalent.
What is a US size 8 in UK women’s shoes?
A US Women’s size 8 converts directly to a UK size 6.
What is a US size 10 in UK men’s shoes?
A US Men’s size 10 converts directly to a UK size 9.
Should I size up or down if I am between sizes?
You should size up for running trainers and pointed shoes. However, you should size down for real leather boots because the leather naturally softens and expands.
